Legislative Scorecard Bills

These are descriptions of the bills on which the legislative scorecard is based. For a table showing how legislators voted on each bill and their resulting score, go HERE.

HB 1124 expands the scope of the zone of safety restrictions and residency restrictions which are applied to persons subject to the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration Act to include the residence of the victim.

HB 2259 modifies the reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect by requiring that every person who has reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected report the matter to DHS “immediately” rather than “promptly.” The measure further specifies that every teacher of children under the age of 18 who believes that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect report the matter to DHS immediately and that a teacher who believes a student age 18 or older is a victim of abuse or neglect to report the matter immediately to law enforcement.

HB 2281 contains modifications relating to certain criminal offenses. The measure creates graduated penalties based upon the value of the property.

HB 2286 increases the potential for more inmates to be approved for parole including those inmates over the age of 60.

HB 2552 establishes certain rights for children in DHS custody with regard to their placement, safety, privacy, communication, and personal growth. The measure also directs DHS and child placing agencies to develop grievance procedures for children in custody.

HB 3104 modifies the definition of “drug endangered child” by removing newborns who test positive for a controlled dangerous substance.

SB 1081 creates the “Children’s Trust Fund of Oklahoma”, to be administered by the Oklahoma Commission on Children & Youth. The trust fund will consist of gifts, donations and bequests from any person, foundation or entity. Grants from the fund will be made to nonprofit organizations to fund innovative programs to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Oklahoma.

SB 185 requires each member of the Pardon and Parole Board to complete annual training based on guidance from organizations that provide training and technical assistance related to the probation and parole process. The annual training curriculum is to include identifying, understanding and targeting criminogenic needs, the principles of effective intervention, core correctional practices and how to support and encourage offender behavior change. The measure also modifies the qualifications to be appointed to the Pardon and Parole Board.

SB 224requires a youthful offender to be represented by counsel at every hearing or review until their case is completed or dismissed. The measure further requires a court to advise the child’s attorney, along with others, of the factual contents and conclusion of reports before making an order of disposition. The bill requires records submitted to the court during a hearing on a motion for certification as a youthful offender or for imposition of an adult sentence to be confidential and sealed.

SB 649 provides that a previous conviction for possession of a controlled dangerous substance or the equivalent law for possession of a controlled dangerous substance from any other jurisdiction may not be used to enhance punishment under second and subsequent offenses.

SB 689 provides that the court imposing the sentence may modify the sentence of any offender sentenced to life without parole for an offense other than a violent crime, who has served at least ten (10) years of the sentence in the custody of the Department of Corrections upon a finding that the best interests of the public will not be jeopardized.

SB 786 reduces minimum sentences for burglary in the first, second, and third degree which has the possibility of reducing the DOC incarceration rate.

SB 830requires the Director of DHS to establish procedures for conducting appropriate background and record searches of individuals prior to and, if necessary, during their employment with the department.

SB 1005modifies the definitions of forcible sodomy and rape by providing that it is a violation of these acts when committed on a person who is at least sixteen years of age but less than eighteen years of age by a person responsible for the child’s health, safety or welfare.

SB 1066authorizes a court to order an extra 180 days deferral of delinquency adjudication proceedings if the court determines a child has made satisfactory progress in the diversion program, and that the extension is necessary to accomplish treatment goals.

SB 1081 creates the “Children’s Trust Fund of Oklahoma”, to be administered by the Oklahoma Commission on Children & Youth. The trust fund will consist of gifts, donations and bequests from any person, foundation or entity. Grants from the fund will be made to nonprofit organizations to fund innovative programs to improve the lives of vulnerable children in Oklahoma.

SB 1135 requires the court, prior to appointing a guardian of a minor, to receive a national criminal background check, a search of the sex offender registration list and a search of the DHS child abuse and neglect registry for the prospective guardian and all other household members 18 years of age and older. The measure allows the department to charge a fee up to $35.00 for each search.

SB 1287amends the definition of bullying in the School Safety and Bullying Prevention Act. It also add the definition of “power imbalance” to the Act. It directs the State Board of Eduation to adopt rules for monitoring compliance.

SB 1367 prohibits law enforcement from taking a person into custody based solely on the commission of an offense involving prescription drugs if the law enforcement officer reasonably believes that the person is requesting emergency medical assistance for themselves or another due to a drug overdose.

SB 1517creates the Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care to recommend options and strategies for implementing a coordinated approach to preventing trauma in children as well as interventions for children and families who are at risk of experiencing trauma.